The Obama administrations proposed defense budget calls for military families and retirees to pay sharply more for their healthcare, while leaving unionized civilian defense workers benefits untouched. The proposal is causing a major rift within the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials. Several congressional aides suggested the move is designed to increase the enrollment in Obamacares state-run insurance exchanges.

The disparity in treatment between civilian and uniformed personnel is causing a backlash within the military that could undermine recruitment and retention.

The proposed increases in health care payments by service members, which must be approved by Congress, are part of the Pentagons $487 billion cut in spending. It seeks to save $1.8 billion from the Tricare medical system in the fiscal 2013 budget, and $12.9 billion by 2017.

Many in Congress are opposing the proposed changes, which would require the passage of new legislation before being put in place.

40 years of the military industrial complex leeching the taxpayer dry has resulted in our sad state of affairs. The hundreds or thousands of freepers who can not see the difference between earmarked pork, budgetary fiefdoms on one hand, and the well being and contractual obligations to our troops and veterans on the other hand, have been cheerleading for this outcome since the early days of FR.

It doesn’t matter if Obama is reelected or a GOP man takes his place, the military budget will be cut by 40%, either through pure cuts, attrition, or Fed induced high inflation.

When there is nothing left in the DoD budget, they will start with the social safety net budget.

THe budget cuts or inflationary policy escape plan for the Federal government and those who really control the Federal government precludes the military personnel of this country from maintaining a “American middle class” lifestyle, ...

to add insult to injury, as a starting negotiating position Obama will demand better medical care for uninsured illegal aliens than active duty military member’s family...

"40 years of the military industrial complex leeching the taxpayer dry has resulted in our sad state of affairs."

I beg to differ - a half century of useless Great Society social programs that have created a permanent underclass have sucked the middle class dry. Cut out the useless social programs and leave our military intact - we need it now more than ever.

Nos genuflectitur ad non princeps sed Princeps Pacem!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

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